Obtain and keep the guidance of the Spirit

"If you want to obtain and keep the guidance of the Spirit, you can do so by following this simple four-point program. One, pray. Pray diligently. Pray with each other. Pray in public in the proper places....Learn to talk to the Lord; call upon his name in great faith and confidence. Second, study and learn the gospel. Third, live righteously; repent of your sins by confessing them and forsaking them. Then conform to the teachings of the gospel. Fourth, give service in the Church." -President Marion G. Romney

Kansas City Temple

Ever since my mission I have been waiting for a temple to be built within the boundaries, after all, my mission is pretty special. The Missouri Independence Mission has a rich historic background and a very important future! Previously two temple sites were started in the area, in Independence and Farr West. And what does the future hold... well ONLY THE SECOND COMING!

So a few years ago when the Prophet announced a temple there I have been giddy with anticipation! In December I did a quick drive by of the outside and took some pictures. Now the open house is going on with the dedication next month. My brother and sister in-law are moving to the Kansas City area this summer so I plan on visiting them and the temple!

In the meantime here is an article with some pictures too.
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=19931626&nid=1016&title=cnn-tours-kansas-city-mormon-temple&s_cid=featured-2

Easter Rejoicing

I haven't written in awhile, mostly because I have had so much on my mind I have not been able to decide what to write about, but how could I not write about Easter!

Yesterday I had such a great Easter, the perfect blend of spiritual and "worldly" celebrating. In fact it was so good that when I got home I plopped down on my bed and picked up my phone to call my Mom and tell her about it. Then I got that twinge of sadness when I realized that I couldn't call my Mom (for those of you who don't know, she passed away last year). However, I was OVERWHELMED by a spirit of gratitude for the Atonement of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has made it possible for all of us to be resurrected and possible to live with Him and our family members for eternity.

I like the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 88 that says:

16 And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.

17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in
whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit
it.

33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive
not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither
rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

I truly was rejoicing for this gift from my Savior yesterday and I still am today. Hopefully I will not forget all that he has done for me! I love the Easter season of renewal and hope. The spring flowers constantly remind me of the gift He has given to me!